Has The X-Factor lost its way?

The only true winner? ... Simon Cowell, presenter and producer of The X-Factor

So I interviewed Richard Holloway, executive producer of The X-Factor and, though most of it never made the final cut of the piece that appeared, I asked him whether or not it made a difference to audiences' enjoyment of the show, and indeed the show's credibility, that the eventual winner was a bit underwhelming and/or the stellar career that seemed so assured never really materialises. Holloway, perhaps unsurprisingly, said it didn't. With reference to last year's winner Leon Jackson, Holloway said "It'll be interesting to see how he does. It's been quite quiet for him. He had a huge hit with the first single after the final last year but I don't think it's reasonable to expect to find a Leona [Lewis, 2006's winner] every year. That's too big an ask."

He continued: "They're purposefully holding back on Leon's CD. They've spent six to nine months looking for the right original material and the occasional cover for his album and what better time to launch the first album than when we go on the air with the live shows?"

While there's no doubting the commercial wisdom of such a move, I'm still not convinced. More often than not, I watch the likes of The X-Factor and wonder what precisely the prize is. After all, Leona aside, the winners - Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward and Leon Jackson - haven't exactly set the heather alight. A Christmas number one off the back of the show and then it's straight back to obscurity - or worse, the ignominy of that fame evaporating as quickly as it appeared. Indeed, you could argue that the only winner of The X-Factor is Simon Cowell.

So, do you think it matters that most of the X-Factor winners disappear down the dumper of pop history? Do you agree with Richard Holloway that "as long they've been given the opportunity", the winners have nabbed a treasured prize? After all, whether they make it or not, they still land a £1m recording contract. Or don't you care, as it's the TV show that you enjoy? Or - say it quietly - are you altogether over the whole cynical pantomime?

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